Kieran Tierney is in line for a shock Arsenal reminder, 16 months after his last appearance for the club.
But manager Mikel Arteta admits the Scottish full-back does not have the right makeup for his preferred approach.
Arteta could be without seven players against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night, leading to a possible return for Tierney after he last appeared in red and white against Manchester City in the August 2023 Community Shield.
And that could lead to Arsenal changing their tactics so that the 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, is not discovered.
Arteta praised Tierney's effort and work in training, but said: “I would put Kieran more to his strengths. If we do what we have to do, I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations, scenarios and spaces that he feels more comfortable with.
“It's about the player having certain qualities. One: is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other: is he capable of it and does he understand it? When a player has three ingredients : anything can happen.
“We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn't really fill it, that's more of a problem and we as coaches have to find solutions.
“We will adapt, especially because within that unit we have the ability to adapt his qualities and play from others in other positions. I don't see it as a problem.”
Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber started the draw at Fulham on Sunday, but both missed yesterday's training.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori and centre-back Gabriel were also absent, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu were still sidelined with knee injuries.
“We have to manage a lot of players,” said Arteta. “Some of them won't be fit for tomorrow, some of them are still doubtful. We have 24 hours to make those decisions. Hopefully we make the right ones.”
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